Spring 2014 Election

Incumbents, challengers compete in town of Richmond

TOWN OF RICHMOND—Town of Richmond voters will choose between a longtime incumbent and a challenger whose focus is taxes in the District 3 race.

In the District 4 race, another incumbent faces off against a challenger who wants better winter road maintenance.

DISTRICT 3

CAROL BEHRENS (I)

Age: 74

Address: N6327 Highway 89, Delavan.

Job: Retired; raises mini donkeys with her husband.

Education: Maine East High School, 1958; Harper College 1980-81, child development for preschool teacher.

Community service: Volunteer for Free Lunch for College Kids, Whitewater First United Methodist Church.

Elected posts: Richmond Town Board since 1998.

Major issues: Preserving individual rights while doing what's best for the town, including keeping precious lakes in good shape and preserving farmland. Marginal lands might be used for controlled growth, but “I don't see us having any huge subdivisions.” The town makes wise use of tax money, including keeping roads among the best-maintained in the county.

MARTIN BRUNNER

Age: 50

Address: W9067 County A, Delavan.

Job: Owner, Firebird City

Education: High school graduate

Community service: Town plan commission, 2007-12

Elected posts: None

Major issues: “I would like to serve as supervisor on the town board to vote “no” to any tax increase. The town currently has sufficient funds to accommodate the current budget. I know the hows and whys of the $1.2 million reserve the town of Richmond always holds. Since when has government turned to a for-profit organization?”

DISTRICT 4

TOM KRAUS (I)

Age: 74

Address: N509 Johnson Road

Job: Retired, former owner of Tom's Tap. Works part-time for First Citizens Bank of Whitewater. Former U.S. Marine.

Education: Delavan High School, 1957. Also attended Whitewater High School.

Community service: Coached Little League and teener baseball for many years.

Elected posts: Richmond Town Board, 1984-88 and 1998-present.

Major issues: When first elected 16 years ago, the board had to borrow to buy equipment, but now it has a cash reserve for that. “We did it without burdening the taxpayers.” He wants to preserve the lakes and farms in the town where has lived most of his life. “The main thing is, I try to work for the people. I'm a people guy.”

GREGORY A. SCOTT

Age: 50

Address: N5212 Pinnow Road, Delavan.

Job: Nestle factory worker, part-time cash-crop farmer.

Education: Delavan-Darien High School, 1981; one year of auto technology training at Gateway Technical College, 1982.

Community service: None

Elected posts: None

Major campaign issues: “I'd like to make roads better for winter driving. Roads should be kept open after dark for emergency vehicles and those who work at night.” Better snow removal would help economic development. “I'd like to check out the budget to see if there's room so it could be shifted more to the roads and away from something that isn't needed.”